sedimentary

Iron-rich laterite or weathered ironstone

Ferruginous laterite; chiefly goethite/hematite with clay minerals and quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque rusty red-brown, earthy to dull luster, porous and irregular; typically Mohs hardness 4–6, with no visible cleavage and variable specific gravity around 2.5–4.3. The surface appears naturally weathered rather than crystalline.

Identified August 26, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms through intense chemical weathering in warm, humid climates, concentrating iron oxides and hydroxides while silica and soluble minerals leach away. It may develop over millions of years in tropical soil profiles; precise age cannot be determined visually.

Uses & applications

Used locally as iron ore, pigment, road aggregate, and sometimes building stone; ordinary pieces have negligible jewelry use.

Geological facts

The red coloration comes mainly from hematite and goethite, the same minerals responsible for many red tropical soils and ochre pigments.

Field identification & locations

Common in tropical and subtropical regions, including India, Africa, Brazil, Australia, and Southeast Asia. A rusty streak, earthy texture, and possible attraction to a strong magnet support ironstone identification; definitive identification requires streak, magnetism, and laboratory testing.